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Salacia oblonga

Alternate Names/Related Terms:

Ekanayaka; Salacia reticulata

Introduction

Salacia oblonga is a shrub that grows in Asia. The bark and root have been used to help control glucose and fat levels in the blood. Salacia oblonga can be taken as a pill or made into a tea.

Dosages

There are no advised doses for salacia oblonga.

What Research Shows

May Be Effective

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) —may help lower fat levels in the blood ^A1
Diabetes —may help control blood glucose ^B1-B3

Not Enough Data to Assess

Obesity ^C1

Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.

Safety Notes

It is likely safe to take salacia oblonga in small doses for a short time. Not enough studies have been done to say whether it is safe to use for a long period. It is also not known whether it is safe to take by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Interactions

Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse.

References►

A. Chronic Kidney Disease

A1. Singh RG, Rathore SS, et al. Effects of Salacia oblonga on cardiovascular risk factors in chronic kidney disease patients: a prospective study. Saudi J Kidney Dis Transpl. 2015;26(1):61-66.

B. Diabetes

B1. Jayawardena MH, de Alwis NM, et al. A double blind randomised placebo controlled cross over study of a herbal preparation containing Salacia reticulata in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. J Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Feb 28;97(2):215-218.

B2. Williams JA, Choe YS, et al. Extract of Salacia oblonga lowers acute glycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007;86(1):124-130.

B3. Shivaprasad HN, Bhanumathy M, et al. Salacia reticulata improves serum lipid profiles and glycemic control in patients with prediabetes and mild to moderate hyperlipidemia: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial. J Med Food. 2013 Jun;16(6):564-568.

C. Obesity

C1. Ofner M, Tomaschitz A, et al. Complementary treatment of obesity and overweight with salacia reticulata and vitamin d. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2013;83(4):216-223.

Last reviewed July 2019 by EBSCO NAT Review Board Eric Hurwitz, DC Last Updated: 3/30/2020

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